A big crowd turned up at Aghagower last weekend to witness Jack Charlton open the Westport Country Lodge Hotel. This was a historic moment for Aghagower as one of the greatest Irish legends officially opened the new hotel. As always Jack was very friendly to all the guests and especially to a couple of pupils from Knockrooskey National School who were there for the Mayo Advertiser to get an exclusive with the man himself.
Nicole Gannon, (11 ) from Dooncastle and Chloe Lally, (12 ) from Ballinvoy were the two lucky girls from Knockrooskey NS. They asked him several questions about his football career and his days of managing the mighty Irish soccer team.
What really surprised the girls was when he was asked what he was called at school he said: “The only person to call me by my real name John is my old headmaster.”
Charlton was a great footballer when he was young. He played for Leeds United and Newcastle. Jack managed Ireland for 10 years and got them to a World Cup quarterfinal against a great Italian team.
Irish people speak very fondly of big Jack but when asked if he would manage again Jack said: “I wouldn’t manage Ireland again, I’m too old for that.” Here’s what Jack had to say to our reporters.
Where do you live? Jolton, a village outside Newcastle, four miles due west to the airport.
Did you ever think about taking over Ireland again? No I’m too old.
What teams do you support/manage? Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough. Played for Leeds.
What do you do now? Fishing. The first place I ever fished in Ireland was Lough Errif.
What school did you go to? Hurstpark.
Do you have any memories from school? Yes my name was John and everyone called me Jack, and the only person that called me John was the headmaster when he called me to his office and said turn over John and hit me with the strap.
Who are your favourite players on the team? They are all my favourite players, everybody that stayed with us.
Did you enjoy managing the Irish team? I had 10 years here, and they were the best 10 years of my life, there comes a time when you’ve been there long enough and it’s time to move on.
Have you been in any television advertisements? Yes I’m in an ad with Carlsberg, one with the England players, and I went to Barcelona for another one with Carlsberg.
What cars do you own? A Ford Mondeo and a Toyota.
